McCausland: New £18million Metropolitan Arts Centre gets go ahead

Arts Minister Nelson McCausland today announced the start of a major project which will see a new arts facility built in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter.

The new Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC) will be delivered by Arts Council and the Old Museum Arts Centre (OMAC) with the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) contributing £10.76million to the overall project cost of £17.56million.

Minister McCausland said: "The Northern Ireland Executive, through DCAL, has allocated £10.76million to this project to develop a Metropolitan Arts Centre in Belfast. The scheme will deliver a modern theatre and arts space as part of DCAL's capital investment programme which has seen a number of major arts projects funded in Belfast and Londonderry in recent years.

"The construction which has just commenced, will create jobs at a time of recession and once the building is complete the new MAC will further put us on the map as a location rich in cultural heritage and creative spirit.

“The creative industries are a fundamental part of our cultural identity and contribute significantly to our economy and well-being. Northern Ireland is alive with talent and venues like this provide the appropriate stage for displaying this creativity. I want this venue to be highly accessible to local grassroots arts organisations.

"The MAC project continues my Department's work in strengthening the capital infrastructure of the arts in Northern Ireland. The MAC will provide a new state of the art space for theatre, dance and art and will therefore appeal to a wide range of performers. The aim is to provide a building which will create entertainment, promote education and inspire creativity.”

The Minister concluded: "I am confident that the MAC, with the support of DCAL and the Arts Council, will deliver an excellent new facility for people in all parts of the City and beyond to experience the arts and discover their creative talents. This project is another example of devolution delivering for local people."

Notes to editors:

1. The new build MAC in St Anne’s Square in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter will provide two black box performance spaces (120/350 seats), two white box exhibition spaces, two rehearsal spaces, two workshops, resident company offices, box office and office accommodation, retail unit, full back and front of house facilities, coffee shop and bar facilities and a 1,000 square metre contemporary art gallery.
2. The total scheme cost is £17.56million of which DCAL is providing £10.76million.
3. The project is financed by DCAL, DSD, Arts Council of Northern Ireland the Old Museum Arts Centre and Belfast City Council. It will be delivered and operated by the trustees of the Old Museum Arts Centre.
4. For media enquiries contact Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office, Tel 028 9051 5047 or email DCAL Press Office. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.